SPORTS
2021 Aisha Buhari Cup: South Africa Thrashes Ghana 3-0
South Africa’s Bayana Bayana put up a sterling performance in the ongoing 2021 Aisha Buhari Cup at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena, Lagos, on Friday, to triumph 3-0 over the Black Queens of Ghana.
A first half goal by Magana Hilda in the 18th minute after she tapped in with a header was all it took to prove Bayana Bayana’s superiority over Ghana.
South Africa would continue to dominate proceedings in the game and not allow any surge from the opposition as they proved hot in every department.
Their quick ball movement and fast pace kept the Ghanaians on the back foot throughout the first half of the game.
Bayana’ Bayana kept the momentum and could have scored more goals, but for Ghana’s back four who were made to work extra hard.
In the frontline, Ghana was found wanting as the Bayana Bayana was more organised to allow for any penetration.
The second half began on a high tempo as the Black Queens did all they could to grab an equaliser, but Bayana Bayana’s tactical discipline gave them an edge as they frustrated the efforts.
Ghana’s inspirational star player, Portia Boakye’s efforts to break through the Bayana Bayana’ defence line was also thwarted time and time again.
KGatlana Thembi, upon receiving a pass from her striking partner, Magana Hilda, carefully dribbled past the defence of the Ghanaians, in a solo effort, to slot in Bayana Bayana’s second goal in the 53rd minute.
The South Africans piled on the pressure on their opponents to make them concede a corner kick that was beautifully converted by Holweni Sibulele’s 84th minute header, to put the game beyond the West Africans with a three-goal margin.
Desiree Ellise, the Bayana Bayana Coach, told journalists at the press briefing after the game that she was very happy with the result as it showed the team’s capability to contend with big oppositions.
She said the team managed the game properly and did not allow for any dominance from the Ghanaian team, expressing the hope that the team would build on the victory to continue to do well in subsequent games.
On her part, Bayana Bayana’s captain, Janine Van Wyk, said she was also happy for the opportunity offered by the tournament as it would go a long way to prepare the team for future games.
“It’s a very interesting tournament, the atmosphere is great and we are happy to be here, we don’t get enough opportunities like this, so we are very happy to be here.
“We are aware of Ghana’s quality and that was why we came out very strong in the first half and did not allow for their dominance.
“We managed the game very well and at the end we took the game beyond them,’” she said.
The Ghanaian Coach, Mercy Tagoe, in her reactions, told journalists that she was not embarrassed by the final score line as a preparatory game, and she was okay with the result even though the team lost.
“It’s a loss and it is not the end of the world; as for me it was a preparatory game for bigger competitions.
“We are equally missing some players who could have affected the outcome of the game, but they are also playing elsewhere preparing for bigger competitions.
“So, I have to take the loss today and hope to do the necessary corrections in the future competitions like the African Championships and the FIFA World Cup,” she said.
The competition which began on Sept. 15 saw Nigeria’s Super Falcons edge past Mali 2-0 as Morocco defeated Cameroon by 1-0. (NAN)
Nasarawa United Football Club of Lafia on Saturday defeated Lobi Stars of Makurdi 1-0 in a pulsating North Central derby.
The matchday 16 fixture of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premiere Football League (NPFL) was played at the Lafia Township Stadium, Nasarawa State capital.
The Makurdi side had adopted the Lafia Township Stadium as their home ground for the 2024/2025 NPFL season.
The only goal of the match was scored by Qamar Adegoke in the 12th minute of the match to give all three points to the Lafia side.
Adegoke’s goal, who joined the Lafia team recently, was his second in four matches.
The Nasarawa attacker capitalised on a defensive error by the opponent’s backline and hit the back of the net to give Nasarawa United the advantage.
In a post-match interview, Kabir Dogo, Technical Adviser of Nasarawa United, hailed his players for taking all three points.
He explained that his team had improved by scoring five goals in their last three matches and expressed optimism that they would do better in subsequent games.
“We had a problem in the area of goal scoring in the past, but this has changed in our last three games,” he said.
With the win, Nasarawa United climbed to 14th on the NPFL table, while Lobi Stars remain on 17th position. (NAN)
The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) is organising a two-day National Coaching Seminar, with the theme: “Leadership and Management Skills”.
The event will take place from Dec. 17 to Dec. 18, at the Additional Sports and Entertainment (ASEP) Pro Limited, in Mowe, Ogun State.
The seminar will enhance the capabilities of Nigerian table tennis coaches, with a particular emphasis on female coaches, aligning with the International Table Tennis Federation’s (ITTF) Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (GEDI) Initiative.
A statement issued by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, on Tuesday, said that the seminar was part of the one-week sports and leadership boot camp titled “Awaken the Giant, She Can 4.
0,” proudly supported by NTTF.“This seminar will also represent the third stage of the 2024 “My Gender, My Strength” programme, which has table tennis star Abosede Akinsete, as a beneficiary.
“NTTF President,Tikon Ishaku, Vice President, Adesoji Tayo, and other board members are dedicated to initiatives that support the development of coaches.
“Wahid Enitan-Oshodi, ITTF Executive Vice President, and President of ITTF-Africa, reaffirms his commitment to empowering women in sports, in line with the GEDI Initiative.
He explained that the seminar would feature people, who would speak on leadership and management skills, to enhance the abilities of coaches to identify and develop talents, as well as encourage the development of high-performance table tennis players capable of competing globally. (NAN)
Rivers United Football Club of Port Harcourt on Sunday returned to the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) summit as strong rivals Remo Stars FC faltered on Match Day 13.
Report says that Rivers United beat visiting Abia Warriors of Umuahia 1-0 after an Ndifreke Effiong 58th minute goal from the penalty kick spot.
Effiong’s goal in the match at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium helped them to move to 25 points from 13 matches, after seven wins, four draws and two losses.
Former leaders Remo Stars dropped to second with 23 points from 13 matches after seven wins, two draws and four losses, following a 0-2 loss to hosts Katsina United.
Plateau United of Jos beat visiting Nasarawa United of Lafia 2-0 to bolster their position.
Shooting Stars Sports Club also struggled to a 1-0 win over visiting Bayelsa United of Yenago.
A 15th minute goal by Anthony Okachi at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan gave them the win.
El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri had on Saturday beaten Akwa United of Uyo 1-0 to move into third place on the table with 22 points from 13 games.
Enyimba International of Aba remained in fourth place with 20 points from 12 matches, with their week 13 game against Sunshine Stars of Akure on hold.
Rangers International of Enugu are in fifth place with 20 points also, after a goalless draw with hosts Heartland FC ain Owerri on Saturday.
Bendel Insurance of Benin had also beaten Kwara United of Ilorin 3-1, while Lobi Stars of Makurdi drew 2-2 with visiting Kano Pillars in Lafia.
NAN reports that the league will enter Match Day 14 on Wednesday.(NAN)
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